Christmas in the Châteaux of the Loire Valley

From December 01, 2012 to January 06, 2013

Royal Château of Amboise, "Christmas over the centuries"

From December 1 to January 6

“Noël, Noël!”. This joyful princely cry still resonates today in this royal residence of Amboise. However, events celebrating the nativity have changed considerably over the centuries. Visitors will discover the origins of these traditions from the Renaissance and then the 18th and 19th centuries. A superbly decorated royal residence. Visit included in the general entry ticket to the château. Audio-guide supplement of 4€ (music and commentary), including information on the permanent collections.

Château of Chenonceau

From December 6 to January 6

Chenonceau is the only French chateau with a floral workshop. For over 15 years, florists work throughout the year and seasonal floral events of the castle.Specially for Christmas season, with a different theme every year, curious public returns to discover the new creations. The floral workshop, located in the sixteenth century farm, is open to visitors who want to learn technical advices about the floral arrangements.

From December 6 to January 6, all the rooms are entirely decorated. The great gallery on the ground floor, which gives the castle its particular architecture, will be fully transformed in green, white and gold ...With, of course, a huge 8 meters Christmas tree. And fires in all the chimneys !

Château of Langeais

From December 26 to 29 and from January 1 to 4

From 26th to 29th December and from 1st to 4th January (10am - 12pm and from 2pm - 4pm) at the Château of Langeais, young children can dress in typical costumes from the 15th century. Like models from the Middles Ages, the girls can admire themselves in dresses with fur-lined sleeves, whereas the boys can walk around in doublets and hoses. From age 7.

Château of Villandry

From December 22 to January 6

On the other side of the Loire, the Château of Villandry reopen during the holidays, decorated with Christmas colors with different atmospheres from one room to another, chimney fires, fresh bouquets. Demonstrations illuminations can be seen between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Châteaux of Meung-sur-Loire, Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire and La Bussière

For weekends in December and for the school holidays, the chateaux of Meung-sur-Loire, Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire and La Bussière are adorned with their most beautiful finery to celebrate Christmas, with numerous enchanting events bringing the magic of Christmas to life in the traditions of yesteryear! Games workshops, tours by candlelight, meetings with Father Christmas, pony rides, gourmet snacks... All are organised for both adults and children to enjoy so that you can spend some quality time with your family!